GWR helps get unique children’s history of Swindon book into every school in the town
Initiative by Swindon Mayor, Cllr Barbara Parry, means every school will receive a copy of ‘A Railway Town called Swindon’, written and illustrated by Hannah Dosanjh
Great Western Railway (GWR) has sponsored the purchase of 100 copies of the illustrated history of Swindon by local artist and author, Hannah Dosanjh, in conjunction with the Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Barbara Parry.
The book, entitled ‘A Railway Town called Swindon’ and beautifully illustrated, provides a unique learning tool for children to learn about their town. Aimed at three to 11-year-olds, it tells the story of Swindon and its growth through ‘Isambark Kingdog Brunel’ and ‘Spaniel Gooch’.
More than 40 full colour pages of detail and a rhyming story takes readers on a journey of discovery through Swindon’s incredible industrial railway history and social impact.
The initiative comes ahead of World Book Day on Thursday 7 March.
Cllr Parry said: “As soon as I saw this book I was wowed by it. It truly is a unique learning tool for the children of Swindon and thanks to GWR’s help, it will help our children learn about the town.
“It really is a brilliant way to explain our fantastic history and I hope this will give them a real pride when they realise just what this town has achieved.”
Self-confessed history ‘anorak’, author and artist, Hannah Dosanjh, said: “When I first had the idea for the book, I never realised the impact it would have.
“I am so pleased that every school child in Swindon will now have access to the book and learn about Swindon’s history.”
GWR Business Assurance Director, Joe Graham, said: “Swindon is as important today for GWR as it was when Brunel and Gooch first chose the town for the world-famous railway works.
“This book is a great way to tell that importance to those who could become the GWR engineers, train drivers and station managers of the future and we are really pleased to help the mayor in getting this into schools.”
The book can be purchased through Hannah’s own website hannahdosanjh.co.uk.
Contact Information
Notes to editors
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us.